The Sparta Express

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! By far THIS is my favorite week of the year! We are so thankful to the work that our teachers and staff do each day serving OUR children (mine included). The magic that happens each day in our building would be impossible without them. Sometimes when our babies get to high school.... we just let them "do them"... but let me remind you, that they still need US and we still need their teachers.

So how can you show your appreciation? A small gift card goes a long way. A handwritten note is priceless. Each of our teachers has their favorite things posted on their doors. If you want to know the deets on any specific teacher to share a little appreciation with them this week, send me or any of our assistant principals a message and we will send their favorite things list over to you.

This also reminds me for an ask. We desperately need to get a PTA rolling next year. We need our Athletic Boosters to be more involved. If you would like to be apart of the leadership teams of either of these organizations next year, please reach out directly to me.

Final Exams are scheduled for May 31st-June 6th. Please be sure that you know when your exams are scheduled for EACH of your classes. Exam schedule will be shared next week.

Our Student Services team coordinated a very special memory for our Senior Class! Students were able to walk the halls of their elementary and middle schools in our feeder pattern on Friday. What an incredible memory for their old teachers--- AND--- the future spartans. Long days....short years. You are almost there class of 2024.

Last Call to order Caps/Gowns!!! Seniors, if you have not ordered your cap and gown, you MUST order it NOW!! Please go to Jostens.com and order. If you need assistance, please see your counselor or Mrs. Russell asap!

Our Staff/Student Talent Show Friday May 31st @6pm. "SSS Got Talent" Auditions will be held May 22nd and 23rd during Sparta time. Finalists will be posted by the auditorium on May 24th. Dress rehearsal will be May 30th 2:30pm to 4:30pm Talent Show is May 31st 6pm to 8pm. Tickets for entry will be $5.

Join JCPS Career & Technical Education for the 2024 Summer Career Accelerator Program. Experiences include career exploration, skill development, and networking opportunities for students in rising grades 6-12.

Free for JCPS students!

Lunch & transportation is provided for JCPS students.

APRIL 15 - Priority Registration Deadline

MAY 12 - Final Registration Deadline.

Details about each program can be found by visiting the CTE Summer Programs website.

Campaigning has begun!!! Voting for SSS High School class and SSSA offices will open on Monday May 6th @ 7:30am and close on Thursday May 9th @ 2:30pm. Please cast your votes for both class officers and SSSA members. Each student will be able to submit only one ballot. Good luck to all candidates running for office.

Football Spring Practice- May 7-22 from 2:45pm-5pm. Athletes must have a physical and Dragon Fly completed. Any questions please see Coach Stanley Williams.

Seniors who ordered yard signs may begin picking their yard signs up on Friday, April 26 during lunch.

Boys Basketball Open gym will be held:

Mondays 2:30-4:30

Wednesdays 3:30-4:30

Fridays 2:30-3:30

All participants must have a current physical and current Dragonfly account. Please see Coach Mayo, Coach Williams, or Coach Zinser for any additional information.

The SSS Band is selling raffle tickets! Cash prizes total over $2000. See any band member to purchase. Thank you for supporting our students!

Congratulations to Hector Jaramillo-Piedra for being selected to the 2024 North Carolina All-State Honors Band. Hector spent this past weekend at UNCG rehearsing with the top high school musicians in the state and performed an incredible concert on Sunday afternoon. Way to go, Hector!!

You’ve earned your Senior status — now it’s time to enjoy it! From stylish apparel to custom photo cards and thoughtful keepsakes, we have everything you need to celebrate your time in high school.

EXPLORE GRAD PRODUCTS

Our Graduation will be Friday, June 7th, at 10am in our Football Stadium.

Please mark your calendars for Decision Day on May 17th, more details to follow. Senior Awards Night on May 22nd from 6pm-8pm.

Seniors! It's not too late to start or finish your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Don’t miss out on the largest source of student aid to pay for college or career school!​ Submit your 2024-2025 FAFSA® form today! http://fafsa.gov

Planning to attend Johnston Community College after graduation? You'll need to complete the FAFSA to take advantage of the JoCo Commissioners Promise Program and attend tuition free next year. More info at https://johnstoncc.edu/.../financ.../jocopromiseprogram.aspx

Please read Ms. Garcia’s emails for important announcements and scholarships. There are many local scholarships, so please take the time to apply! Email Ms. Garcia with any questions or concerns.

Seniors, please order your cap/gown NOW! www.jostens.com

Remember to get your meningitis vaccinations before starting your senior year. You can call for an appointment at Johnston County Health Dept at 919-989-5200 before the rush begins.

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May 24th- Junior Meeting during Sparta Time. All Juniors / rising seniors will need to attend. This is an opportunity to:

Introduce CADY to upcoming seniors

• Provide a preview and highlight options for their senior portrait experience

• Gather data to ensure students and their families receive important booking information

• Ensure NO ONE is left out of their senior yearbook

One of the ways that we have tried to make this year special for our students is to bring back traditional aspects of high school. A Varsity Letterman's Jacket is one of those special things that make high school special. Whether you are a Varsity football player, a member of the marching band, Varsity Basketball player, or Varsity Cheer or Stunt member--- a letterman's jacket is something that you can have forever. Visit the Josten's website to design and purchase a coat that tells your high school story. You can even make payments!

If you are looking for a job, Chick-Fil-A is HIRING! Use the information below to apply.

Be sure that you check out this link for LOTS of Enrichment Opportunities: http://bit.ly/jcpsenrichment

Many of these opportunities are shared by JCPS Student Services. If you are not following them on Facebook--- YOU SHOULD BE! They often post incredible opportunities for students and information about scholarships. Even if you are not a senior--- many scholarship opportunities are available each year. Start familiarizing yourself with opportunities and requirements so that when it is your time--- you are ready to apply! https://www.facebook.com/jcpsstudentservices

We are currently looking for host families for the 2024-25 school year. The students will arrive before school starts and will depart in June. We are reaching out to invite you and your family to host an exchange student. We would also be appreciative of any referrals for great families in your community who would make the perfect host family, which is any kind of family! https://secure.smore.com/n/gpaxws-join-us-on-an-amazing-adventure?ref=email

JCC Summer Camp registration is now open! Learn more and apply for camps at https://www.johnstoncc.edu/summercamp/index.aspx

Great news! Camp scholarships are available to rising 6th-12th graders thanks to JCPS Career & Technical Education Apply for camp scholarships by April 15 at https://shorturl.at/cyJR9

Summer opportunity for rising 9th-12th graders!

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a Mini-Medical School for rising 9th-12th graders. This one-day camp will be held on Thursday, June 27 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Cost is $50 per participant which includes a T-shirt. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

Location is Levine Hall - 4350 HWY 421 South, Lillington, NC 27546

Register here https://campbell.co1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_eJMcsvF0Cq4BK5g

Summer volunteer opportunity alert for students ages 15 and up!

This one is super popular with JCPS students interested in health care. The application is now open for UNC Health Johnston’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program. The application closes April 15, 2024. More information and eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.johnstonhealth.org/volunteer/junior/

Summer opportunity for rising Latinx/Hispanic 11th & 12th graders!

UNCG CHANCE is a 4-day residential summer program for Latinx/Hispanic rising high school juniors and seniors. During their time on campus, students will participate in college preparation and leadership skills development. CHANCE 2024 is July 17th- July 20th on the campus of UNC-Greensboro.

Learn more and apply at https://www.uncg.edu/.../summer-camps-and.../summer-camps/

The NCVPS EDVANTAGE Tutoring Program will be available to individual middle school and high school students nightly from 4 PM to 7:30 PM, Monday-Thursday.

To have your students begin tutoring sessions, please direct them to:

https://ncvps.org/edvantage-tutoring/ or they may use the QR Code on the JCPS + EDvantage Tutoring Program Flier

Once on the Edvantage Tutoring website, students should simply click their school district, Johnston County Public Schools and/or school name. Students will find an expandable section that guides them along as they create an account, and then enter the tutoring platform. "How To" videos are also available right below the "Schedule A Session" button.

Please encourage students to:

• Begin creating their accounts;
• Sign up for tutoring sessions in advance (or on the same day); and
• Write down their username and password (for use each time)

Please reach out to me if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns with the EDvantage Tutoring Program. I look forward to hearing how the tutoring sessions are going with your students.